Morning c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Morning" by William Woollett. I'm struck by its peaceful depiction of travelers within a vast, idealized landscape. What is your perspective on its historical context and the audience it was created for? Curator: These kinds of prints were widely distributed, making art accessible. Consider how the picturesque aesthetic, which idealized nature, served the interests of the British elite, projecting an image of pastoral harmony while obscuring social inequalities. Editor: So, the beauty is almost a kind of propaganda? Curator: Perhaps propaganda is too strong a word, but it certainly promotes a particular worldview and was consumed by a specific social class. Consider how art institutions perpetuate those values today. Editor: That's really made me think about how landscapes can carry so much more meaning than first meets the eye. Curator: Indeed! It reveals the power of imagery in shaping our understanding of the world.